The Editor Zambia
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Media Thabo Kawana’s warning that time is ticking for individuals who allegedly continue to spread falsehoods about President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) government raises an important question about the responsibilities of political actors, journalists and commentators in Zambia’s democracy.
The warning comes at a time when the government is pursuing ambitious economic programmes intended to transform the country’s productive capacity, create employment, and improve the livelihoods of ordinary Zambians. 
These efforts, unfortunately, are being undermined by misinformation, political bitterness, or attempts to discredit public institutions through unsubstantiated allegations.
Among the individuals whose political commentary has attracted condemnation from progressive Zambians is Emmanuel Mwamba, a former diplomat associated with the opposition Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, which lost the August 13 elections.
Anyone who has followed Mwamba’s postings has rightly questioned the motives behind most of his public statements and social media interventions, particularly where these always portray President Hichilema and his administration negatively.
The same debate extends to other prominent government critics, including Sishuwa Sishuwa, whose commentary on Zambia’s political affairs has frequently generated public discussion.
However, the central issue should not be whether these individuals support or oppose the government. In a democratic society, opposition voices, independent academics, and critical journalists have legitimate roles to play.
The question is whether public debate coming from these noisy critics is grounded in verifiable facts, responsible argument, and a commitment to informing citizens rather than deliberately misleading them.
The Grow Zambia Agenda represents an important opportunity which, will move the national towards production, investment, exports, and job creation.
Needless to say, Zambia needs stronger agricultural output, expanded mining production, reliable energy supplies, a more competitive manufacturing sector, and greater participation by local businesses in economic growth.
The proposed realignment of government ministries is also headed to practical outcomes that would propel the economy forward.
Derailing such important projects in the name of appearing on social media to show that one is around won’t serve the nation well.
The genesis of all these rantings have been worsened by the loss of the opposition whose supporters have taken to social media where they are peddling fat lies and falsehoods to paint the government black.
They are ignoring the cruel truth glaring in their faces that August 13 election settled the question of who received the mandate to govern for the next term.
It did not remove the right of losing political groups to question government decisions.
Kawana’s warning should, therefore, be understood as a wake-up call for responsible commentary rather than unguided criticism of a performing government.
Those who spread false claims like the Mwambas and Sishuwa Sishuwas of this world should expect their assertions to be challenged with the same vigour they write their falsehoods.
Zambia cannot afford to let political rivalries consume the energy needed to address unemployment, poverty, infrastructure deficits, and the cost of living all captured in the projects President Hakainde Hichilema is unveiling in his recovery crusade.
